Compare Our Top Action Cameras
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All cheap cameras on Amazon: Readers often ask, why spend $400 on a GoPro when you can get a camera with 4K video for $100? It’s a fair question, and the answer comes down to software, basically image stabilization. Sports cameras are designed to be strapped to a helmet or strapped to your chest as you skydive, rock climb and run around town. on a scooter. Without stability, the result is something that even your closest friends will not sit through. So yes, you will get 4K photos with cheap cameras, but they will be photos that no one wants to see. In our opinion, it’s better to spend another $100 on an older GoPro (Hero 11 or 12) for sale.
The Best Tools to Trick Your Camera
Photo: Scott Gilbertson
Once you have an action camera, it’s best to use it in many situations. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all offer helmet mounts and other ways to mount your camera where you want it. But there are some great accessories that can make it easier to get the photo you’re dreaming of. Here are a few:
Good microSD card: You can get an SD card with your camera. Insta360’s SD cards are really good, but I tend to use SanDisk’s Extreme cards because they’re faster and, as a bonus, waterproof. You can take a A 512 GB card for around $70. I also like Samsung’s Pro Plus microSD cards, which are slightly faster in my tests. You can grab a 256-GB for around $96. DJI has some specific recommendations for microSD cards to use with Step 6. Of their list, the ones I recommend are Lexar Professional Silver Plus ($24).
GoPro Media Mod for $79: GoPro audio is fine out of the box, but if you want high-quality audio, this is where you start. Not because Average mod produces good sound—better than a camera, but still not great. What it does provide is a headphone jack. Plug in a high-quality microphone and you’ll finally have great sound. (Not recommended when flying in the air.)
Handlebar/seatpost/pillar mount for $40: This is my favorite mount for mountain biking, but it will also work on ski poles and anything round you want to clamp.
Motorcycle accessory package for $50: If you drive, this mount for Insta360 cameras (Ace Pro, X5, etc.) is a must have. It’s one of the most secure clamps I’ve ever used, almost as good as a bench vice.
Three Yallsame plants for $10: Action cameras offer many ways to mount them, but one that is missing is a standard quarter-inch screw mount. The GoPro Hero 13 has one, but this third adapter pack solves the problem for others.
Polarizer and ND filters: If you’re shooting near water, through glass, or in any other high-flash situation, a polarizing filter will help cut that light. Medium density (ND) filters block light to allow you to shoot a wider aperture in bright light, helping to increase the amount of motion blur. Both are great additions to your action camera kit. If you have a Hero 13 Black you can get a new one GoPro ND Filter Four-Pack ($90)which automatically adjusts camera settings when connected. This is huge as getting shutter speeds with ND filters can take some trial and error. GoPro ND filters take care of all that for you. If you don’t have HEro 13, I tried with like DJI ND Filter set to Step 6 ($79). For older GoPros, I like it Freewell’s polarizing and ND filters ($20). I recommend starting with an 8-stop ND or combo ND and a polarizing filter.
A float of $35: Another one for water shooters, but worth the money as it will prevent your GoPro from ending up at the bottom of the ocean. I haven’t tried it, but here is one Insta360 Ace Pro 2 ($20)and when updating Action 6 is so new it doesn’t see it as a case. I can confirm that the old case will work, but the buttons don’t quite match and are a pain to use. Hopefully DJI will get an updated version soon.
A do-it-yourself stick for $25: I’ve tried a lot of selfie sticks and almost all of them are fine, but I keep grabbing this Insta360 version on my way out the door. It’s light, small enough to fit in the bottom of my bag, and affordable. If you want to go big, this Insta360 Extended Edition Selfie Stick ($100) can simulate a low-flying drone, suitable for use in national parks and other places where drones are prohibited.
